Plastic Bags For Plants: How To Move Plants In Bags

Moving
plants is a huge challenge and often leads to moisture damage,
broken pots and other disasters, including the worst outcome of all – dead or
damaged plants. Many indoor plant enthusiasts have found that moving plants in
plastic bags is a simple, inexpensive solution to this difficult problem. Read
on and learn about using plastic bags for transporting plants.

Using Plastic Bags for Plants

If you know a move is in your future and you have several
indoor plants, save your plastic grocery bags ahead of time; you’ll find them
very handy. Plastic garbage bags are also useful for moving plants.
Additionally, if you’re sending plants to someone else, like shipping
them through the mail, you can purchase bags specifically designed
for this or save your money and opt for those clear plastic storage bags, which
are available in a number of sizes.

How to Move Plants in Bags

Place large pots in cardboard boxes lined with several
plastic bags to prevent damage from leakage and catch any spilled potting soil.
Put plenty of bunched up bags (and newspapers) between the plants to cushion
pots and keep them upright during the move.

You can also remove small plants from their pots and pack
the containers separately. Wrap the roots carefully in moist newspaper, then
insert the plant into a plastic bag. Secure the stem, just above the root ball
with string or twist ties. Pack the bagged plants carefully in boxes.

Water plants lightly the day before moving. Don’t water them
on moving day. To prevent tipping, prune large plants that may be top heavy.

If you’re relocating to another destination, pack plants
last so they’ll be first off the truck when you arrive at your new home. Don’t
allow plants to remain in a vehicle overnight, and don’t leave them in the
trunk of your car. Unpack them as soon as possible, especially during
temperature extremes in summer and winter.